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The election is over. So what do we do now? Exactly what Chuck Colson recommended the day after the 2008 election.
Whoever you voted for yesterday, Chuck Colson has a few words of wisdom for you, words he spoke after the presidential election in 2008. Please listen closely:
Whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Chuck went on to point out that the next president would face enormous challenges. First among them back in 2008 was what is now called the great recession. Now dare I say that Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump (and as I record this I don’t know who won the election) face even greater challenges? Ninety-four million Americans are not in the workforce—more than ever before. The nation is in the grip of a heroin and painkiller epidemic that’s destroying lives across the country. To say racial tensions are high is an understatement. Domestic terrorism and cyber attacks threaten us daily. And there’s a real effort to push religious and moral conviction out of the public square, and enshrine in law a dehumanizing vision of sexuality and identity.
Overseas, ISIS fights on. Vladimir Putin and Communist China thumb their noses at the U. S. in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea. Iran continues to violate the ill-conceived nuclear deal and openly provokes and threatens our military forces in the Persian Gulf. Waves of Muslim refugees continue to swamp Europe.
And yes, the new president and the country need our prayers.
But how have we gotten to this point? Well, once again, here’s Chuck Colson:
I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. ‘I recall,’ he said, ‘hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.’
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we’re in. We have forgotten God.
We’ve also forgotten that American democracy—indeed western civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism—all flourished in western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Again, Chuck voiced these words eight years ago, before the Supreme Court imposed so-called same-sex marriage on the nation, before Christian businesses would be forced to conform with sexual absolutes or be fined to the brink of bankruptcy, before the attempt to force Christian organizations—including nuns—to pay for abortifacients and contraceptives.
So in other words, culturally, things are even worse today. So what now? Let’s give Chuck the final word on that.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers . . .This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace. So pray for the new president .... But most of all, brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and hunger for God and His righteousness.
[[bold, italics, and colored emphasis mine]
RESOURCES - As Chuck urged, let us pray for our nation’s leaders, that they, as well as we, will hunger and thirst for God, love our neighbors, and walk in righteousness.
"Trump Defeats Clinton in Dramatic Finish to 2016 Race" - Fred Lucas / November 09, 2016; http://dailysignal.com/2016/11/09/trump-defeats-clinton-in-dramatic-finish-to-2016-race/?
PRAYER MATTERS:"To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." - Karl Barth; "Prayer is inviting God into a seemingly impossible situation and trusting/resting in His love and grace to accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time and for His greatest glory." - Stan
MY PERSONAL UPDATE can be found on the right side of this blog page under JOURNAL. 11/4 - Ans. Prayer! - 1) My health has been consistantly better the past week, and 2) I've been offered a job!
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14) Short of that, we should not be saying "God Bless America"but instead "God be merciful towards America!" Rev. Franklin Graham: "I do know that the president defends Islam and chastises Christians, rebukes our allies and befriends our enemies, and fully supports gay marriages and abortion but denies the religious freedoms of those who don't agree. Our nation is ridiculed abroad and morally crumbling within. We are in trouble. We have turned our back on God."
PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS: Let's be praying that they might be Spirit-filled, leading us with Godly wisdom and integrity; that they will only pass legislation and enact policies that will benefit Americans today as well as future generations and NOT do any lasting harm.
PRAY that the justices sitting on the Supreme Court will only hand down decisions that are in the best interests of our country now and for future generations.
JUST RELEASED: “I’m Not Ashamed!" presents the challenging story of the life of the Columbine massacre Rachael Scott. It’s a movie every teen should see!
MILITARY TRANSGENDER POLICY: Contact Armed Services Chairmen McCain (committee number: 202-224-3871; office number: 202-224-2235) and Rep. Thornberry (committee number: 202-225-4151; office number: 202-225-3706) and ask them to put the brakes on the National Defense Authorization Act conference report until military transgenderism is addressed. America's safety depends on it."
MY PERSONAL UPDATE can be found on the right side of this blog page under JOURNAL. 11/4 - Ans. Prayer! - 1) My health has been consistantly better the past week, and 2) I've been offered a job!
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14) Short of that, we should not be saying "God Bless America"but instead "God be merciful towards America!" Rev. Franklin Graham: "I do know that the president defends Islam and chastises Christians, rebukes our allies and befriends our enemies, and fully supports gay marriages and abortion but denies the religious freedoms of those who don't agree. Our nation is ridiculed abroad and morally crumbling within. We are in trouble. We have turned our back on God."
PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS: Let's be praying that they might be Spirit-filled, leading us with Godly wisdom and integrity; that they will only pass legislation and enact policies that will benefit Americans today as well as future generations and NOT do any lasting harm.
PRAY that the justices sitting on the Supreme Court will only hand down decisions that are in the best interests of our country now and for future generations.
JUST RELEASED: “I’m Not Ashamed!" presents the challenging story of the life of the Columbine massacre Rachael Scott. It’s a movie every teen should see!
"THE VOICESLESS." Talk to your pastor about this movie that challenges those who consider themselves pro-life Christians to be more involved more in the effort to rescue the unborn. Go to http://joinvoiceless.com and share it with others.
"PROTECT LOCAL SCHOOLS from Federal Overreach into Kids' Restrooms"/ Contact your local school: - http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL16H05&f=AL16H05##FORM
SIGN THE PETITION: Encourage Congress to STOP THE HARVESTING OF ABORTED BABIES (see story in post ##1581) - http://aclj.org/pro-life/stop-planned-parenthood-from-harvesting-and-selling-babies-organs?
BE Prepared TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ABORTION (...because ALL Babies Matter!): Go to: LIFE Training Institute - http://prolifetraining.com/resources/five-minute-11/
Be Prepared TO ENGAGE WITH THE PC CULTURE: Go to:"Tactics" -
http://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/2016/04/29/tactics-n2154983;"Asking Questions"-
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/29295
World-Wide Prayer Requests:
Learn about Christian Persecution; Check out the World Watch List:
http://live.opendoorsusa.org/wwl/?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=content-banner&utm_campaign=may-2016
PRAY for the ON-GOING crisis now happening in IRAQ/SYRIA. Pray that coalition forces will be able to destroy the leadership and infrastructure of ISIS.
"Why It's Becoming More Difficult to Be a Christian in INDIA" - 03-03-2016;
http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2016/March/Why-Its-Becoming-More-Difficult-to-Be-a-Christian-in-India
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Day After Election Day - PRAYER, ANYONE?" - By: John Stonestreet| Breakpoint.org: November 9, 2016; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/30089 [AS I SEE IT: I confess that I went into last evening expecting to be disappointed by the election results. (Yes, I was a Trump supporter if only for his strong stand against abortion.) Then, as the evening went on, when Trump first started to hold his own in my own critical state of Florida, I found myself glued to the television. And there I pretty much remained till it was all over at 4 a.m.! It felt like I was just dreaming of a happy ending and had to be sure what was happening was real. I am thus incredibly thrilled that there is an opportunity in at least the next 2 years (before the next mid-term election) to pass legislation and see things done at the federal level that might reverse some of the many unfortunate actions of the recent years. As this article stresses, may we all commit ourselves anew for praying for our new President and the leadership in Washington. May some of the changes we could only dream about actually happen - by God's grace let it be so! - Stan]
Be Prepared TO ENGAGE WITH THE PC CULTURE: Go to:"Tactics" -
http://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/2016/04/29/tactics-n2154983;"Asking Questions"-
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/29295
World-Wide Prayer Requests:
This is a photo of 3 of Asia's daughters holding a picture of their imprisoned mother.
URGENT: A Christian Mother's Mandatory Death Penalty Could Be Overturned. PRAY and Sign the Petition Now! - https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/save-christian-mom-asia-bibi-from-execution? -Almost 6 years ago, when Bibi defended her faith at her workplace, the workers accused her of insulting the Islamic prophet Mohmmed. She was soon arrested on blasphemy charges and sentenced to death by hanging by a local judge. She has been languishing on death row for 6 years - separated from her husband and five kids because of her Christian faith. Since then, lawyers and human rights activists have been working around the clock to appeal the case and give her a second chance at life.
Now, after more than 2,100 excruciating days, Pakistan's Supreme Court has just granted her an early review of her final appeal. This is a monumental moment in her case. Pakistan's Supreme Court is expected to soon decide whether she lives or dies. On that day, the court could release her or have her hanged. If executed, she would be the first woman executed under Pakistan's brutal blasphemy law. The American Center for Law and Justice has been aggressively advocating for her freedom for years - including through our office on the ground in Pakistan. But now is the time for urgent action. The ACLJ is stepping up their vigorous legal advocacy campaign across the globe for her freedom. It is imperative that each of us be heard.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is asking Christians around the world to PRAY for the folloiwing:
That Asia would be acquitted.
For her strength and restoration during and after the hearing.
For wisdom and protection for Saiful Malook, her lawyer; and for the judges hearing her case.
For the wider Christian community who may face a backlash whatever the outcome of the appeal.
For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Pakistan, to maintain calm in the country.
For justice for others accused of blasphemy, and that the government would urgently amend the blasphemy laws.
Don't let them execute Christian mom Asia Bibi!; SIGN the petition and PRAY for this court decision! [I've been praying in addition that , should she be released and the situation be too tense for her and her family to remain in Pakistan, they would be able to find asylum in another country, possibly even the U.S. - Stan]
http://live.opendoorsusa.org/wwl/?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=content-banner&utm_campaign=may-2016
PRAY for the ON-GOING crisis now happening in IRAQ/SYRIA. Pray that coalition forces will be able to destroy the leadership and infrastructure of ISIS.
"Why It's Becoming More Difficult to Be a Christian in INDIA" - 03-03-2016;
http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2016/March/Why-Its-Becoming-More-Difficult-to-Be-a-Christian-in-India
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Day After Election Day - PRAYER, ANYONE?" - By: John Stonestreet| Breakpoint.org: November 9, 2016; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/30089 [AS I SEE IT: I confess that I went into last evening expecting to be disappointed by the election results. (Yes, I was a Trump supporter if only for his strong stand against abortion.) Then, as the evening went on, when Trump first started to hold his own in my own critical state of Florida, I found myself glued to the television. And there I pretty much remained till it was all over at 4 a.m.! It felt like I was just dreaming of a happy ending and had to be sure what was happening was real. I am thus incredibly thrilled that there is an opportunity in at least the next 2 years (before the next mid-term election) to pass legislation and see things done at the federal level that might reverse some of the many unfortunate actions of the recent years. As this article stresses, may we all commit ourselves anew for praying for our new President and the leadership in Washington. May some of the changes we could only dream about actually happen - by God's grace let it be so! - Stan]
Whoever you voted for yesterday, Chuck Colson has a few words of wisdom for you, words he spoke after the presidential election in 2008. Please listen closely:
Whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Chuck went on to point out that the next president would face enormous challenges. First among them back in 2008 was what is now called the great recession. Now dare I say that Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump (and as I record this I don’t know who won the election) face even greater challenges? Ninety-four million Americans are not in the workforce—more than ever before. The nation is in the grip of a heroin and painkiller epidemic that’s destroying lives across the country. To say racial tensions are high is an understatement. Domestic terrorism and cyber attacks threaten us daily. And there’s a real effort to push religious and moral conviction out of the public square, and enshrine in law a dehumanizing vision of sexuality and identity.
Overseas, ISIS fights on. Vladimir Putin and Communist China thumb their noses at the U. S. in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea. Iran continues to violate the ill-conceived nuclear deal and openly provokes and threatens our military forces in the Persian Gulf. Waves of Muslim refugees continue to swamp Europe.
And yes, the new president and the country need our prayers.
But how have we gotten to this point? Well, once again, here’s Chuck Colson:
I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. ‘I recall,’ he said, ‘hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.’
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we’re in. We have forgotten God.
We’ve also forgotten that American democracy—indeed western civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism—all flourished in western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Again, Chuck voiced these words eight years ago, before the Supreme Court imposed so-called same-sex marriage on the nation, before Christian businesses would be forced to conform with sexual absolutes or be fined to the brink of bankruptcy, before the attempt to force Christian organizations—including nuns—to pay for abortifacients and contraceptives.
So in other words, culturally, things are even worse today. So what now? Let’s give Chuck the final word on that.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers . . .This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace. So pray for the new president .... But most of all, brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and hunger for God and His righteousness.
[[bold, italics, and colored emphasis mine]
RESOURCES - As Chuck urged, let us pray for our nation’s leaders, that they, as well as we, will hunger and thirst for God, love our neighbors, and walk in righteousness.
"The Day After: Pray for Our President and Our Nation" - Chuck Colson | BreakPoint.org | November 4, 2008; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/breakpoint-commentaries-archive/entry/13/10038
"The People Have Spoken: Change Must Start Now" - Jim DeMint / November 09, 2016 / http://dailysignal.com/2016/11/09/the-people-have-spoken-change-must-start-now/?"Trump Defeats Clinton in Dramatic Finish to 2016 Race" - Fred Lucas / November 09, 2016; http://dailysignal.com/2016/11/09/trump-defeats-clinton-in-dramatic-finish-to-2016-race/?
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